Drag chute? I would go with catapult and arresting wire……………….Speaking of power assisted take offs. I was at the JR/ Horizon glider tow in Monticello Il. last weekend. Tows work great until they don't. The glider only needs to move 10 feet to be in the air. The problem is if in that ten feet the glider catches a wing, it turns into one of the most violent rc airplane wrecks. Maybe it seems so violent because it goes from this nice majestic sailplane sitting there to a thrashing fiberglass whirlwind.